Human Trafficking & Slavery Resources

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(Adapted from Department of Health and Human Services Rescue and Restore Campaign.Used with permission.)

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. After drug-dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) provides a means for non-citizen victims in the U.S. to apply for a special visa and other benefits and services so that they can safely and securely rebuild their lives. Among the social services that qualified victims can access are legal, housing, job placement, health care and educational assistance programs. Victims who are U.S. citizens are already eligible to receive many of these benefits.

Assistance Available to Victims of Human Trafficking

Adult victims of human trafficking (ages 18 and over) who are certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can receive Federally-funded services and benefits to the same extent as refugees. To receive certification, an individual must:

Be a victim of human trafficking as defined by the TVPA;

Be willing to assist with the investigation and prosecution of traffickers; and

Have completed a bona fide application for a T visa; orHave received Continued Presence status from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Child victims of human trafficking (under age 18) are immediately eligible for benefits—they do not need to apply for a T visa or get Continued Presence status. For such victims, HHS issues—once it has received proof that the child is a victim of trafficking—a “letter of eligibility.” The victim or the victim’s advocate may then present the letter to social service providers as proof of eligibility. Certified and eligible victims of human trafficking can receive benefits and services necessary for the safety and protection of their lives including:

Housing or shelter assistance

English language training

Food assistance

Health care assistance

Income assistance

Mental health services

Employment assistance

Assistance for victims of torture

See the reverse side for a list of some specific benefits available to certified-adult and eligible child victims of human trafficking.

Immigration Status

The TVPA signified a shift in the immigration law policy, which had previously resulted in many victims of human trafficking being deported as illegal aliens. The TVPA established the T visa to give victims of human trafficking temporary status in the United States. It recognizes that returning victims to their country of origin is often not in the best interests of victims and that victims need the opportunity to rebuild their lives without facing the threat of deportation.

After three years, a T visa recipient can apply for permanent residence status. In certain situations, it enables victims of human trafficking to get T visas for family members.

Following are some of the specific benefit programs for which victims can apply:

Program

Description

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

A cash benefit and work opportunities program for needy families with children under age 18.

Food Stamp Program

Used like cash to pay for food at most grocery stores.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A monthly benefit for people who are blind, have severe disabilities, or at least 65 years old and have limited income and resources.

The public health insurance program for low-incom, uninsured children 18 years of age or younger who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Unaccompanied Refugees Minor Program

Assists unaccompanied minor refugees and trafficking victims in developing skills to enter adulthood and achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.Provides family reunification assistance where appropriate.

Medicaid

The public health insurance program for people with low income and limited resources.

Health Screening

Provided by the State Department of Public Health for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of any illness (including screening for TB, parasites, and hepatitis and vaccinations for children).

Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance (RCA and RMA)

HHS program available to victims who are ineligible for other cash or medical assistance programs such as TANF, SSI and Medicaid.Victims may receive this assistance for the 8 months following issuance of the letter of certification/eligibility.

One-StopCareerCenter System

Free job search and employment centers that provide information and assistance for people who are looking for a job, or who need education and training in order to get a job.

Three Tales of Slavery in the USA/Tres Historias de Esclavitud en EEUU

Through illustrating the stories of Anna, Imelda, and Ricky, this comic book shows three forms that human trafficking can take. Anna was told she could find a good job and a better life in America, so she let a man make her travel arrangements. She quickly learns that she has become in debt to him and he forces her work doing “whatever the men want” to pay him back. Imelda is virtually enslaved by a woman who hired her to be a housekeeper. She works 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is unable to leave. Ricky is the trafficker who smuggled people into the US and made them work long hours but rarely paid them. These stories show the horror of human trafficking without dwelling on the horror.

Why does FASTEN recommend this resource?

This comic book is a unique vehicle to communicate with people who have limited literacy skills. It is also a way to introduce children to the concept of human trafficking and injustice that happens in the US. This would be effective for outreaches, for educational/awareness programs in the community, and for faith-based organizations to provide in waiting areas for children to color.

Former Tianamen Square Leader, Chai Ling, spoke at a press conference on 1/18/2011 about the consequences of China's 1-child policy. Every day 35,000 forced or coerced abortions take place and hundreds of children and women are trafficked into slavery. "It is a Tiananmen massacre taking place every hour" says Chai.

Former Tianamen Square Leader, Chai Ling, spoke at a press conference on 1/18/2011 about the consequences of China's 1-child policy. Every day 35,000 forced or coerced abortions take place and hundreds of children and women are trafficked into slavery. "It is a Tiananmen massacre taking place every hour" says Chai.

In recent years,, the issue of human trafficking has been getting more attention. It is often very difficult for a victim to escape. Perpetrators can threaten not only physical harm against the victim, but also psychological coercion and threats against other family members, especially children. Despite the popular misconception that all forced laborers are brought into the sex trade, the majority actually work as forced laborers in all kinds of industries, from construction to agriculture or housekeeping. NPR chronicles the tale of one woman forced to work 100 hours/ week for only $70/month as a nanny and housekeeper.

Check out Start Freedom, the global campain to engage young people on the issue of human trafficking. Youth can learn about the issue, see how it affects their life, and find ways they can make a difference in combating it.